The U-M Medical School Department of Urology provides medical students with essential training in the diagnosis and management of urologic conditions. Students will engage with our department during their M2 and M3 years as part of the Surgery Core Curriculum, gaining exposure to a wide range of urologic diseases, surgical procedures and patient care approaches.
Urology encompasses both medical and surgical management of conditions affecting the genitourinary tract in adult and pediatric patients. Our faculty serve as educators, mentors and researchers, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded foundation in urology.
Medical student education is a key priority for the Department of Urology. We are training future leaders in Urology. Our program is designed to:
- Ensure that all students acquire a fundamental understanding of urologic conditions and their management
- Provide exposure to a variety of urologic subspecialties, including Urologic Oncology, Neurourology and Pelvic Reconstruction
- Develop students' ability to assess, diagnose and manage common and complex urologic disorders
- Offer hands-on experience in urologic procedures and surgical techniques, including Foley catheter placement, cystoscopy observation and suturing
- Mentor students interested in pursuing a career in urology or related specialties
- Foster critical thinking in evaluating patients and selecting appropriate diagnostic and treatment approaches
Through clinical rotations, patient interactions and procedural training, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in urologic care.
During the Urology Core Rotation, students will gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in urologic medicine. As an M2 and M3 student, you will learn:
- How to perform a focused urologic history and physical examination
- The evaluation and management of common urologic conditions, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, incontinence and urologic cancers
- Indications for medical and surgical treatment of urologic diseases
- Basic procedural skills, including Foley catheter insertion, drain removal and suturing techniques
- Principles of urologic imaging, including recognition of hydronephrosis, renal masses, and kidney stones on ultrasound and CT scans
- Post-operative care and management of urologic patients
- The role of multidisciplinary care in managing complex urologic conditions
- How to actively participate in inpatient rounds, outpatient clinics and surgical procedures
Students will rotate through subspecialties in Urologic Oncology and Neurourology/Pelvic Reconstruction. They will be expected to attend grand rounds, weekly subspecialty conferences and student lectures while engaging in both inpatient and outpatient care.
Expand your career trajectory in a high-volume academic medical center that also supports and excels in a wide range of basic science, translational and clinic outcomes research programs.
The M3 and M4 years, collectively known as the Branches, prepare students for residency and further specialization in their chosen fields.
During their urology rotation, students will gain broad exposure by rotating through multiple subspecialties within the Department of Urology. These rotations provide hands-on clinical experience, surgical training and interdisciplinary learning across a wide range of urologic conditions.
- Urologic Oncology: Experience the management of urologic malignancies, including robotic cystectomy, neobladder creation, nerve-sparing prostatectomy, and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for testicular cancers.
- Endourology & Minimally Invasive Surgery: Gain exposure to kidney stone treatment, including ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and robotic/laparoscopic procedures such as partial nephrectomy and pyeloplasty.
- Neurourology & Pelvic Reconstruction (NPR): Learn about the evaluation and treatment of bladder dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and complex reconstructive surgeries.
- Andrology & Male Reproductive Health: Understand the medical and surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, infertility and testosterone-related disorders.
- Pediatric Urology: Work with children experiencing congenital and acquired urologic conditions, such as undescended testicles, vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis and neurogenic bladder.
Students participate in outpatient clinics, inpatient care and surgical procedures across these subspecialties, ensuring a well-rounded experience in urology.
Our medical students have access to the Canvas platform, which provides detailed, year-specific course information, and the Oasis platform, which offers comprehensive elective and rotation details. Both platforms are regularly updated by the Office of Medical Student Education in collaboration with department faculty and staff.
The University of Michigan Medical School is committed to providing the best possible experience for our visiting students. We offer a number of opportunities. Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process.
Michigan Medicine also offers a 4-week Health Advancement Visiting Clerkship. This can be paired with your visiting rotation and promotes the development of medical student’s interest in health equity and inclusion.
While the field of Urology has made tremendous strides over the past two decades, encouraging more medical students to enter the specialty, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, remains a challenge. To help all medical students explore opportunities in Urology, understand potential career paths, and navigate the application process, we are introducing the Michigan Urology Academy.
UroVersity is a pipeline initiative open to first year medical students at Michigan Medicine. This longitudinal mentorship program pairs medical students with both resident and faculty mentors to increase exposure and research endeavors in the field of urology. Students interested in urology or surgery can contact Maria Gutierrez.
Applications to join UroVersity are typically sent to all first-year medical students at the University of Michigan via email in December, with a submission deadline in January.
If you are interested in joining the UroVersity board, applications are generally released in February via email to UMMS students.
Medical Student Clerkship and Core Educational Lead
Medical School
